Tomes of Spellcasting--Servant of the Empire

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Servant of the Empire
Author: Raymond E. Feist & Janny Wurts
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1990

With the death of her husband Mara of the Acoma rose once more to power in her family and in the Great Game of the Council. Now, however, with the Riftwar hurtling to its conclusion, the noble familes of the Tsurani are once more free to pursue vendettas and plot the fall or destruction of their rivals and enemies. And for her quick--and bloody--rise to power Mara has become a prominent target that many canny nobles would gladly eliminate for the threat she poses to their own safety and prosperity. But for all their plots and machinations Mara has an answer, and an adviser that none beyond her family circle knows about. But for all the good that he can offer, will her liaison with Kevin, the Midkemian slave, prove to be her final salvation in the dangerous Game of Council, or her ultimate downfall?

Servant of the Empire continues the trilogy set in the world on the other side of the Rift. As before, the politics and warfare of Midkemia take a backseat to the maneuverings of the Tsurani families, and the struggle for survival among the most powerful figures of the Empire. And as before, the story's framework follows the convoluted balance of tradition the sustains the game and the ingenuity that Mara uses to her advantage.

As impressive as Mara is--and as central to the story as she is--the really outstanding character here is Kevin, the Midkemian slave. It's interesting to see how he struggles to balance his relationship with Mara and the Acoma with his loyalty to his countrymen. After all, in the eyes of the Tsurani he is a slave, yet he is key in safeguarding the very people he has every right to hate and despise. It's an interesting conundrum, and a very fascinating situation to observe. After all, here we have a man who has risen to leader among the slaves who, to survive, aligns himself with the Tsurani, even helping them with tactics and military manuevers. Can anyone imagine what sort of strain that must be placing on his conscience? On his loyalties?

Servant of the Empire continues the adventures of a new heroine in the land where Pug of Midkemia rose to power as Milamber of the Assembly. Beyond witnessing anything the Great Ones might do, however, who knows how far Mara will bend tradition and law to ensure the survival of her family and the Empire? You'll just have to read and see!

Rating: Thumbs up! With enemies on all sides, what's a woman--even a Tsurani lady--to do?

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This page posted November 16, 2001.

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